Apple is planning to introduce new versions of tvOS and watchOS at the Worldwide Developers Conference, but unlike iOS 10 and OS X 10.12, we haven't heard any details on new features that could be bundled into the releases.

A lack of rumors hasn't stopped our forum members from dreaming up a list of most-wanted features in the two operating systems, so we took a look at some tvOS and watchOS wishlists to get an idea of the kinds of improvements people are hoping to see in the updates.

watchOS

One of the most desired features for the Apple Watch, unsurprisingly, is a better variety of watch faces to choose from. New digital faces and square watch faces like the Hermès Apple Watch face are high on the wishlist.

Apple-Watch-Hermes-Trio
MacRumors reader mavis wants to see faces that include an optional second count, and moxxham outlined a feature for dynamic complications on watch faces that sounds useful.

It would be great to set up time dependant complications and notifications. In the morning once your alarm is turned off, that complication disappears and is replaced by the activity complication. If your watch is charged over night, when you put the Apple Watch on, the battery complication will disappear and be replaced by weather. Just simple things like this would be great. It would really stop you from changing different faces all the time to suit your needs. The watch would predict based on your usage which complications would suit you and at what time.

Sleep tracking is a feature some readers would like to see, but it's unlikely to be introduced in the current Apple Watch due to battery life concerns. The ability to reassign the side button to access something other than a contact list is another interesting feature request from anthonymoody.

Other watchOS 3 wants:

  • More workout options and controls
  • Reminders app
  • Ability to scroll through Glances with Digital Crown
  • Speed/efficiency improvements
  • Ability to control Apple TV with Apple Watch Digital Crown and Siri
  • Option to disable Time Travel
  • Watch Face activated at all times
  • Glance for checking iPhone/Watch battery

Read more about the features people are hoping for in watchOS in the dedicated watchOS 3.0 wishlist thread on the forums.

tvOS

There are two threads our forum members have created covering tvOS features they'd like to see, one that was started shortly after the Apple TV launched and another that started up in April.

tvosmainview
Both have some interesting feature requests like a dark mode for the user interface, an Apple Music-style "For You" iTunes section for movie and TV suggestions, and unsurprisingly, support for games that only use a controller. Right now, tvOS apps with controller support are also required to support for the Apple TV remote, limiting controller functionality.

Other feature requests:

  • Picture-in-picture and/or Split View
  • Cloud backup and storage
  • iCloud syncing for multiple Apple TVs
  • VPN support
  • Better parental controls
  • Easier switching between accounts
  • Remote installation of tvOS apps from iOS devices
  • Always-on Hey Siri
  • Slow motion playback
  • Continuity and Notifications

The new versions of watchOS and tvOS will be unveiled alongside iOS 10 and OS X 10.12 on Monday, June 13 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote. The event is set to kick off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Top Rated Comments

now i see it Avatar
119 months ago
All I want is new watch bands
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
runeapple Avatar
119 months ago
Sleep tracking on the watch is important to me, the fitbit one works really well.

Can't believe we still don't have this on the watch..
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
patohi Avatar
119 months ago
The Apple TV Remote requirement for games really needs to go! It could bring so many new games to iOS. Games for iPad and iPhone simply can't work with the limited Apple TV remote layout.

I'd say it's one of the worst development decisions Apple has made in a long time.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Loge Avatar
119 months ago
watchOS: much more customisation and choice among the digital faces; those are really limited. In particular the ability to display seconds (still can't believe we don't have this after all this time).
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
119 months ago
Sleep tracking on the watch is important to me, the fitbit one works really well.

Can't believe we still don't have this on the watch..
There's no sleep tracking because it has to be put on charge overnight.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
119 months ago
But when I finally buy my son the game he's been begging for and I discover (because I'm too busy to read the details on the app store) that it's unplayable without purchasing a Nimbus, I'm grumpy and my son is disappointed. So then I'll take to MacRumors with my pitchfork, lol.
[doublepost=1465586400][/doublepost]

It is my opinion that the Kinect is ugly and its unattractiveness outweighs its usefulness. So having an additional accessory plugged in would not be an ideal solution for me. Now... if the Apple TV unit itself had a built-in mic with noise cancelling, then I'd be on board with your idea.
Yeah that was the whole point of what I said. They would just need a mic on the front. I only referred to be Kinect for the type of functionality I want.

Noticed your other reply above. Many of these games are just barely playable and not fun at all without a real controller. Some are nigh impossible to control. All they would need is the simple logic check of "have they paired a third party controller before, and if not, display a notice message before purchasing." But the real solution is Apple bundling a first party controller. Just adds cost. I'd pay up for a beefier gaming edition with controller.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
iOS 26 Feature

Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Monday July 7, 2025 1:20 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to refine and update iOS 26, and beta three features smaller changes than we saw in beta 2, plus further tweaks to the Liquid Glass design. Apple is gearing up for the next phase of beta testing, and the company has promised that a public beta is set to come out in July. Transparency In some apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and the App Store, Apple has toned down the...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 8 U.S. States

Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:26 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly since it was announced in 2021, with only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico,...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
apple account card feature

Apple Account Card Expanding to More Countries

Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:34 pm PDT by
Apple is expanding the ability to add an Apple Account Card to the Wallet app to more countries, according to backend Apple Pay changes. With iOS 15.5, Apple updated the Wallet app to allow users to add an Apple Account Card, which displays the Apple credit balance associated with an Apple ID. If you receive an Apple gift card, for example, it is added to an Apple Account that is also...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

Leaker Reveals Amount of RAM in iPhone 17 Through iPhone 17 Pro Max

Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:08 am PDT by
Three out of four iPhone 17 models will feature more RAM than the equivalent iPhone 16 models, according to a new leak that aligns with previous rumors. The all-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will each be equipped with 12GB of RAM, according to Fixed Focus Digital, an account with more than two million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The...
iphone 16 pro models 1

Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Saturday July 5, 2025 1:00 pm PDT by
Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year. As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch displayGiven the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and...
imac video apple feature

Apple Launching These 15+ Products Later This Year

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
The calendar has turned to July, meaning that 2025 is now more than half over. And while the summer months are often quiet for Apple, the company still has more than a dozen products coming later this year, according to rumors. Below, we have outlined at least 15 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each. iPhone 17 Series iPho...